Extremely short feeding sessions

My LO (little one) is 4.5 months old now. In single nursing session, he feeds only about 2 or 3 minutes at max and then goes for at least 3 hours without getting hungry. One time, he fed very little and didn’t get hungry for 6 hours straight. He gets distracted a lot while nursing and I have to keep bringing him back. I am worried that he is not getting enough and that because of the distractions, he keeps neglecting the fact that he is hungry. Also, I know my breasts aren’t generating a lot of milk because I’m only able to pump around 100ml total after 20 - 25 minutes of pumping. His last weight check at 4 months was fine. But how do I know he is getting enough since his next weight check isn’t going to be before 6 months. Did anyone go through the same? Please share. It’d help ease my tension 😊

Comments (4)

I know it’s different with bottle fed babies but my little man went from drinking 6oz to 3oz for a few days and is now drinking about 4 or 5oz each time! I think their appetite just changes as do ours ☺️

My LO (little one) did this for a week or so, not eating a lot, always distracted and her gain wasn’t that great. Then she slept like the dead for a few days and now she’s eating normal. After her zombie sleep she is now teething but also rolling around and sitting up, so it might mean something. I’m feeding her in the same spot at home and with a cloak while out to keep her from getting distracted. It works. Sometimes 😅

BTW count his diapers and keep an eye on his poop color. As long as his poop doesn’t suddenly become light green and runny, and his diaper count is good then I wouldn’t worry too much.

My daughter has been doing the exact same thing. I wouldn't worry unless it lasts for a long time and isn't just a phase. As a previous poster suggested they go through seasons where their appetites change and sleep will change too. They are also much more efficient at getting milk when nursing now. More efficient than when they were newborns but also much more than a pump.

Learn more

Your growing child

Your 6-month-old: Week 3

Soon your baby may let you know that he's ready to try eating finger foods by grabbing the spoon you're feeding him with or snatching food off your plate. Scatter four or five pieces of finger food onto your baby's highchair tray or an unbreakable plate.
Read More

Your 7-month-old: Week 2

By now, you may have already told your baby that the phone isn't a toy, or that rattles aren't for throwing, or that her sister's hair isn't for pulling. At this age, your baby may begin testing your authority by refusing to follow your simple directions.
Read More

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.

You are passing a message to a BabyCenter staff member.
For the fastest help on community guidelines violations, please click 'Report this' on the item you wish the staff to review.
For general help please read our Help section or contact us.